License to Liberate Fish and Wildlife

License Details

This license authorizes releasing/stocking species into the wild. More commonly used for stocking/releasing ring-neck pheasant and quail for hunting, and releasing butterflies at weddings or other ceremonial events.

Fee

License Duration

No Fee

Varies

What This License Allows

Transporting and releasing species authorized by DEC into the wild on a one-time basis.

What This License Does Not Allow:

Selling or exhibiting species

Taking released game birds outside of their respective hunting season and without a hunting license

Releasing any of the following species:

European hare

European San Juan rabbit

Texas or jack rabbit

Zebra mussels

Captive-bred red or gray fox

River rat/Nutria

Other Pertinent Information

Releasing on State LandIf releasing wildlife on New York State lands or conservation easement lands, a Temporary Revocable Permit is needed.

Landowner PermissionIf releasing wildlife on private land other than the licensee's own property, permission from the landowner is needed.

Releasing pheasants and quailBirds cannot be released after the last day of their respective hunting seasons.